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Safety Article #7
SAFETY IN THE TRENCHES
Excavation and trenching are part of almost every new construction site. Gas, electric, water, telephone, fiber optics and cable are usually required to be brought into most new sites. Sometimes each system will need it’s own trench. Cave-ins pose the greatest risk and are much more likely than other excavation related accidents. Other potential hazards include falls, explosions, falling loads and the slipping of mobile equipment.
No matter how much experience you’ve had in trenching, shoring and backfilling, it is important to approach each new job with the utmost care and preparation. Many accidents result from poor initial planning. Waiting until after the work has started to correct mistakes in shoring or sloping delays the operation, adds to the cost and increases the possibility of a cave-in or other failure.
In the June, 2003 issue of the IBEW Journal, these guidelines are offered:
1. Evaluate soil conditions and select appropriate protective systems.
2. Construct protective systems in accordance with the standard requirements.
3. Preplan by contacting utility companies to locate underground lines.
4. Plan for local traffic control if necessary.
5. Test for low oxygen, hazardous or explosive fumes and toxic gases.
6. Insure adequate ventilation or respiratory protection if necessary.
7. Provide safe access into and out of the excavation.
8. Provide appropriate protections if water accumulation is a problem.
9. Inspect the site daily at the start of each shift, following a rainstorm, or after any other hazard increasing event.
10. Keep excavations open the smallest amount of time needed to complete operations.
Article submitted by Larry Casey, Labor Education Service, University of Minnesota
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